Roche names new head of medicinal chemistry

Roche has appointed former GlaxoSmithKline employee Karen Lackey as the company’s new vice-president and head of medicinal chemistry.

Ms Lackey, a long-time veteran of the medicinal chemistry and drug discovery sector, takes up the role effective immediately and will be responsible for the development of new molecules in the fields of oncology, virology and inflammation.

She joins the company having served at GlaxoSmithKline for more than 20 years, most recently occupying the role of vice-president for discovery medicine chemistry.

The position saw her take responsibility for the company’s entire early stage research portfolio, allowing her to oversee the discovery and development of treatments such as Tykerb.

Dr Hans-Joachim Boehm, global head of chemistry at Roche, said: “Karen’s appointment reinforces Roche’s continuing commitment to innovation and to being at the forefront of medical discovery.”

Earlier this month, the company published its financial results for the second quarter of 2010, reporting a five per cent increase in sales year-on-year.